MSc Business Analytics

Program Overview

Heriot-Watt University's MSc Business Analytics program equips students with the quantitative research skills and data-driven decision-making abilities needed in today's business environment. Delivered online with a flexible schedule, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering business analytics, big data, project management, and financial decision-making. Graduates are prepared for high-demand roles in business intelligence, data science, and consulting, with the strategic and analytical skills to drive data-informed decision-making and unlock growth opportunities.

Program Outline

Overview:

• Designed to equip students with the quantitative research skills needed for the data-driven business environment.
• Addresses the talent needs of the future.
• Focuses on decision-making skills for transformational change.
• Utilizes a data-driven, evidence-based approach to management decision-making in complex business environments.

Objectives:

• Provide students with the skills to analyze data, interpret its meaning, and apply it to real-world business problems.
• Equip students with the ability to make data-driven decisions and drive business success.
• Develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Description:

• Online program delivered through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
• Flexible pace and schedule, allowing students to study anytime, anywhere.
• Interactive learning environment with diverse course materials, readings, notes, and multimedia.
• Expert academic support and guidance through videos, webinars, articles, journals, assessments, and discussion boards.
• Final online assessments conducted in the comfort of your own space.
• Three assessment periods per year offering flexibility in scheduling.

Outline:

Course Content:

• Six core courses: Business Analytics, Network Analysis, Big Data Analytics for Business, Delivering Successful Projects, Business Consultancy, Financial Decision Making.
• One optional course: Performance Management for Business or Strategic Change Management.
• Reflective portfolio.

Course Schedule:

• Each course takes approximately 200 hours to complete.
• Full MSc program can be completed in 2 years but can be finished faster or over a longer period.
• Students can choose their own pace and schedule.
• New courses begin every month.

Individual Modules:

• Business Analytics: Introduces the fundamentals of business analytics, including data mining, statistical analysis, and predictive modeling.
• Network Analysis: Explores the use of network analysis to understand and optimize business processes.
• Big Data Analytics for Business: Provides students with the skills and knowledge to manage and analyze big data.
• Delivering Successful Projects: Covers the project management skills needed to deliver successful business projects.
• Financial Decision Making: Teaches students how to make sound financial decisions based on data analysis.
• Business Analytics Reflective Portfolio: Allows students to reflect on their learning and apply their skills to real-world business problems.

Assessment:

• All courses assessed by a single summative online assessment.
• Assessments include case studies, scenario analysis, and essays.
• Three assessment periods per year aligned with major university examination diets.
• Reflective portfolio assessed formatively and summatively.
• Pass mark for all courses is 50%.
• Resits allowed for failed courses.
• Award with Distinction awarded for an average mark of 70% or more with no course failures.

Teaching:

• High-quality learning and teaching delivered by experienced faculty and researchers.
• Flexible, self-study-based learning model.
• Comprehensive online learning materials and guidance.
• Opportunity to engage with a global multicultural learning community.

Careers:

• Prepares graduates for a variety of roles in the field of business analytics, including:
• Business intelligence analyst
• Data scientist
• Project manager
• Business consultant
• Equips graduates with the strategic and analytical abilities to drive data-informed decision-making, optimize business processes, and unlock new growth opportunities.
• Graduates are in high demand by organizations worldwide.

Other:

• Students can study on a course-by-course basis or sign up for multiple courses at once.
• Standard fee per course is £1,248, full program fee is £9,984.
• Emerging Economies fee per course is £848, full program fee is £6,784.
• Upskilling Scotland Funding available for eligible professionals.
• 20% fee reduction for students purchasing all courses upfront.
• Alumni discount available for Heriot-Watt graduates.
• Performance-based admissions process available.
• Exemptions may be granted based on prior academic qualifications.
• Online events hosted throughout the year to connect with faculty and students.
• Graduates automatically join the Watt Club alumni association with 147k members worldwide.

Tuition fees Standard fee Per course: £1,248 Full programme: £9,984 Emerging Economies fee Per course: £848 Full programme: £6,784 All course fees include one assessment attempt. Each attempt after this point will be charged at £160.